How to Use a Gas Lens for Better Shielding

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The jazzy 10 ceramic works with either a weldmonger gas lens kit or a furick adapter kit or stubby gas lens kit

The Furick Jazzy 10 ceramic cup works with our newly improved Stubby Gas lens kit without needing to buy additional hardware.

Jazzy 10 for 4130, Stainless, inconel, hastelloy, and more

What Is a Gas Lens?

45v44 3/32" gas lens for 9/20 style TIG torches

A gas lens is a simple add-on for your TIG torch that can drastically improve weld quality—especially when welding stainless steel, chromoly, or nickel alloys. 

In this article, we’ll explain what a gas lens is, how it works, and why it’s one of the best upgrades you can make to your TIG setup.

Gas lens or Collet Body?  it's actually both...a gas lens collet body.

A gas lens collet body has a mesh screen insert that fits inside. It diffuses the argon shielding gas into a smoother, more laminar flow pattern as it exits the end of the tig cup. This results in better coverage and less turbulence.

Furick #8 pro clear cup with gas lens and o ring

How to Install a Gas Lens

1. Remove your standard collet body and replace it with a gas lens collet body.
2. Use the correct gas lens for your torch model and tungsten size.
3. Choose a compatible cup—often a larger diameter cup (#8 to #12) to take full advantage of the laminar flow.

Benefits of Using a Gas Lens

• Improved Shielding Coverage: Gas flows more evenly and protects the weld zone more effectively.
• Longer Tungsten Stick-Out: Lets you reach into tight or awkward spots without losing shielding.
• Reduced Argon Waste: More efficient use of shielding gas.
• Better Weld Appearance: Less oxidation means cleaner, shinier welds on carbon steel, 4130 chromoly, stainless steels, nickel alloys, and titanium.
• Improved Arc Stability: better gas shielding allows for a more stable arc. 

Gas Lens Setup Tips

• Cup Size: Larger cups like a jazzy 10 ceramic or furick fupa12 ceramic  improve gas coverage for the weld area as well as shielding the hot tip of the filler rod which can make a world of difference on stainless and nickel alloys.
• Argon Flow Rate: Depends on size of cup used but Typically 2-3 CFH per cup number will work; so a #10 cup would need 20-30 CFH
• Tungsten Stick-Out: rule of thumb is inside diameter of cup or less but furick cups like jazzy10, fupa12, MK14 allow for much longer tungsten extension than standard collet body setups ..when you need it.
• Keep It Clean: Check the diffuser screens regularly and clean if discolored or clogged.

Visual Comparison

With a gas lens:

• Shinier  weld bead due to less oxidation
• Less heat tint
• Fewer defects from air intrusion

Without a gas lens:

• Turbulent shielding
• Greater risk of oxidation 

If you weld stainless steel regularly, using a gas lens is a game-changer. It’s a low-cost upgrade that leads to cleaner welds, better gas coverage, and improved consistency. For welds that look great and perform even better, make the switch to a gas lens and see the difference.

Once you see the difference in using a gas lens vs a standard collet body, you may never use a standard collet body again…(except of course on aluminum)

Situations where a Gas lens excels

• Welding carbon steel, tool steel, chromoly, stainless steel, inconel, hastelloy, and even titanium, or other reactive metals
• Welding inside corners, fillets, filling deep holes, or joints with limited access
• Anytime discoloration and oxidation are concerns

The jazzy 10 ceramic works with either a weldmonger gas lens kit or a furick adapter kit or stubby gas lens kit